MSC Teacher Training Application

Dear applicant,

We have carefully assembled the following questions in order to help select the most suitable candidates for MSC Teacher Training. Answers will necessarily include personal information, but this information will be viewed by the MSC Teacher Training Team only and treated confidentially. Should you not want to answer any of the questions in writing, you may note this in the response area for that question and include contact information (telephone or email address) at which you can be contacted to discuss it privately. Similarly, the teacher training team may contact you to have a private conversation in order to clarify some of your answers on the form. Please understand that all other information still needs to be submitted in writing. Thank you.

Name*

First Last

Preferred name for use in correspondence (if different from above)

Please note your personal pronouns in the space below. Please leave blank if you prefer not to answer. (Why Pronouns Matter? Copy and paste this link into your browser to learn more https://www.mypronouns.org/what-and-why/)

Email*

Please enter your Email again.*

Location / Language*

Preferred Language City State / Province / Region Country

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Degree or highest level of education attained*

Profession*

MSC Teacher Training Month and Year you are applying for.*

TRAINING PREREQUISITES

Please ensure that you agree to the following statements before completing your application.

I understand that my application will be reviewed only if I meet the following minimum qualifications: 1) Completion of a full MSC course at least 6 months before the teacher training begins. This MSC course may be a standard 8-week program (in-person or online), a 5-Day Intensive MSC, or the CMSC’s Live Online (LOMSC) course. 2) Completion of at least one silent, teacher-led meditation retreat with a duration of at least 5 days. *PLEASE NOTE: If you have any questions about whether you meet these requirements, please contact Chandni Karmacharya at [email protected] before you fill out this application.*

I meet these requirements.

BACKGROUND

1. Please list the details (year, location and teacher(s)) of the MSC program you completed. You must have attended at least 75% of the course and have received documentation of completion. (Please attach a copy of your certificate below, if available.)*

Please attach a copy of your certificate, if available.

Max. file size: 50 MB.

2. Please describe your personal mindfulness, compassion and self-compassion practices.*

3. Please provide details (date, location and teacher(s)) of your participation in at least one teacher-led, silent meditation retreat with a duration of at least 5 days.*

4. Please describe any experience you have with teaching mindfulness or compassion to others.*

5. Please provide a brief essay (200 words or less) introducing yourself and describing your interest in teaching MSC. This essay must incorporate your reflections on the essay "On Becoming a MSC Teacher: A Mountaineer’s Guide to Building the Resource of Mindful Self- Compassion". To access that essay, copy and paste the following URL in your browser: https://centerformsc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/MSC-TT-Pre-Registration-Self-Reflection.pdf*

MSC TEACHER TRAINING PATHWAY

1. I understand that the Training Pathway to becoming a Teacher of MSC consists of three steps. The first step is the MSC Teacher Training Program itself (either the 12-week Live Online or 6-Day In-Person program). The second step is the 10-week online Teacher Training Practicum (TTP). The third step involves you teaching your first MSC course (with a minimum of 8 participants and with a co-teacher or assistant) while also engaging in a series of ten 1-hour online group consultation sessions led by a senior MSC teacher. I understand that each of these steps has a cost associated with it, and I agree not to begin teaching MSC prior to the completion of the Teacher Training Program AND the TTP. Furthermore, I understand that completion of all three steps is required to earn the status of “Trained Teacher of MSC.*

I agree to this requirement

2. The intention of the MSC Teacher Training is to prepare people to teach the MSC program in the standard 8-week format only and I understand that only Certified MSC Teachers may teach intensive programs or other forms of MSC.*

I agree to this requirement

3. If English is not my native language, I understand that I must be able to fully participate in this training program as a speaker, listener, and reader of training materials in English.*

I agree to this requirement

4. In order to have the necessary basic knowledge and resources for teaching, we ask all participants to purchase the following books prior to the start of the program:*

“Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program” by Germer and Neff, 2019, Guilford Press. "The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive" by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer. A full list of recommended and required reading is listed on this page. https://centerformsc.org/teach-msc-latest/

I agree to this requirement

5. It is possible that during the training program, member of the teacher training team may ask you to strengthen various personal or professional skills prior to your enrolling in the Teacher Training Practicum.*

I agree to this requirement

6. By completing this application, I am stating that I understand the cost of the program, including the non-refundable $25 application fee, and I am fully committed to participating in the program if accepted.*

I agree to this requirement
I agree to this requirement but wish to apply for a $250 scholarship for people from diverse backgrounds

7. By completing this application, I understand that full attendance at all sessions is required in order for me to successfully complete the program.*

I agree to this requirement
I am not able to attend the entire course and am asking for special consideration due to the circumstances described below.

Special circumstances to waive the full attendance requirement.*

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

Please explain how you meet the MSC Teacher Training pre-requisites by answering the following questions.

1. MSC teachers need to practice what they are teaching. Please provide a brief specific example of how you have used self-compassion and/or the practices of MSC to work with your own difficult emotions like fear, shame, or anger?*

2. This teacher training program focuses on building skills specific to MSC which includes a significant amount of giving and receiving constructive feedback during practice teaching sessions. How do you typically receive such feedback, and how do you work with it?*

3. MSC can be emotionally activating for participants and requires teachers to be able to emotionally regulate themselves. Can you give a brief example of situations in which you might "lose your balance" while teaching and how you would respond?*

4. CMSC is dedicated to significantly increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion within MSC programs worldwide. Please note any ways in which you may be able to support this mission in your own teaching after completing the teacher training.*

5. Have you ever been turned down from an MSC Teacher Training? If yes, what have you done to fulfill the prerequisites since being declined?*

Yes
No

If yes, could you please describe the reasons you were declined and the steps you have taken to try to address the concerns?*

6. Given the nature of self-compassion practice and the intensity of teacher training, it’s important that each potential trainee be able to fully participate and learn in the process. For this reason, it is important for the trainers to be aware of any mental health, trauma or substance use conditions that may be factor for you and potentially make the training more difficult. Please share below any such issues that you face that the trainers should be aware of.*

7. What support systems do you have in place if participation in this program brings up challenging emotions or memories?*

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